From

Maintenance

to

Protection

This slide share covers…

• The basics of propane tanks (for homeowners)

• Regulations on industrial propane tanks

• Emergencies and warning signs

• Protecting propane tanks during cold weather

• Propane emergencies

Basic propane tank safety…

• Keep the valve in the closed position when not in use.

• Don’t leave tanks in a car or any other vehicle.

continued…

Propane Basics continued…

• Secure portable tanks before you use them.

• Replace rusted, weathered, or dented canisters.

Storage

Propane (even as a gas) is heavier than air, so in the event that it escapes the tank, it will drop to the lowest point and settle. Because of this, propane cylinders should never be stored in a basement or garage and should always be stored away from living spaces.

Setup

Depending on the situation and your knowledge of the application, it’s best to contact a qualified propane service retailer to connect your propane tank to the necessary appliances. This representative will work with you to make sure your cylinder is setup correctly and safely.

Protecting Your Tanks

Take precautions such as installing your propane tanks underground, placing a fence around the tank, and/or putting it in a location that is least likely to be frequented by others. If you are installing a tank in a residential area, make sure to inform neighborhood children not to play on or near the propane tank.

Government Regulations

More than 350,000 industrial sites rely on propane for things like heating, soldering, cutting, brazing, and many other uses. The government regulates the handling, storage, and use of propane cylinders in the workplace, so make sure you know the law in your state. If your company carries and transports industrial propane tanks, follow the regulations put in place by your company and national organizations, and complete any required courses to learn safe transportation practices.

Personnel

The National Propane Gas Association has developed the Certified Employee Training Program, which will provide employees in your company with a complete technical training curriculum on the handling of propane. The training includes the following areas:

• Basic Principles & Practices

• Propane Delivery

• Plant Operations

• Distribution System Operations

• Transfer System Operations

• Appliance Installation

• Appliance Service

• Large Equipment Connection & Service

The Scent of Gas

If you smell gas, you should immediately exercise the following steps:

• Extinguish any open flames or cigarettes. • Do not flip any light switches or operate mobile phones. • Get everyone out of the area and to a space that is well

ventilated. • Turn off the gas supply valve to your propane tank, if it is safe. • Once you are clear of the area, contact your propane supplier,

and if you can’t reach them, call 911. • Do not return to the area where you smelled gas until your

supplier or emergency personnel have given you the okay to do so.

• Get your entire system checked for leaks.

Carbon monoxide

You may not always be able to smell the gas emitted from your propane tank if there is a leak, which is why it’s so important to have a carbon monoxide detector. High levels of CO can be produced when your propane gas is burned incompletely or when your appliances aren’t working correctly, but sometimes there’s no way to tell if that’s the case other than a detector. Carbon monoxide can be deadly, and if you see anyone experiencing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or shortness of breath, act immediately. Follow the same steps as those you would if you smelled gas.

Gas Depletion

A vital part of owning a propane tank is making sure you never run out of gas. Air or moisture could get into an empty propane tank, which can cause rust buildup inside the tank, which can make the gas harder to smell, posing a threat to safety. Likewise, running out can cause a leak which can then result in fire or explosion when the tank is refilled. To avoid running out of gas, schedule monthly deliveries of propane and check your fuel gauge regularly. If it drops below 20%, contact your supplier. In addition, have your tank checked for leaks periodically.

Freezing temperatures can have an adverse affect on the functionality of your propane tank, so it’s important to make the effort to protect the tank during the winter. The tank can lose pressure in cold weather, causing the propane to move slowly or stop moving altogether. When this happens, it makes it nearly impossible to get your project done on time or at all.

Avoiding Damage

There are several things you can do to help avoid tank damage.

• Mark your propane tank with a flag or other marker so that in the event that there is enough snowfall to cover it, you will still be able to locate it.

• Make sure you have enough propane to last as long

as you might need, since delivery may not be possible after a large storm.

• Don’t use anything hard or plastic to clear snow away

from your propane tank; instead, use a broom or a brush.

• Clear snow and ice away from the regulator vents on

the tank as well as any outdoor vents or chimneys to promote good airflow and reduce the risk of CO poisoning.

Loss of Efficiency

Have you ever stopped to think about how cold weather affects your propane tanks? If you store them outside, perhaps you’ve been concerned about why they perform less efficiently. Even if you store them inside a warehouse, if the ambient air around them is too cold, it will still cause a decrease in efficiency and performance.

Though Propane has a very low boiling point (-44° F to be exact) cold temperatures, even far above this extreme cold, can keep propane from vaporizing as quickly.

Propane Tank Heating

Solutions

Using a propane tank heating blanket to prevent the tank from freezing over and to improve its functionality during cold weather is the best choice. The propane will flow more smoothly, and it will cut down on the time spent clearing away snow and ice. Other benefits include:

• Increases performance and efficiency of propane tanks • Provides even heat distribution • Saves money by optimizing gas and material usage • Safety certified by UL/CSA/CE • Eliminates unnecessary cylinder refills in cold weather

Powerblanket Propane Tank

Heaters